- Published:
- Sunday 14 February 2016
Victorians are being urged to slow down and drive safely as works on the $1.28 billion CityLink Tulla Widening Project ramp up.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan was on-site today to launch Operation Step Back – a partnership between the Andrews Labor Government, TAC and Victoria Police to help ensure the safety of road workers while they are upgrading this vital road.
As part of the project, an 80km/h speed limit is in place between Flemington Road and Bulla Road, while a 60km/h limit applies during night works to keep both workers and motorists safe.
Construction sites are a high-risk environment with heavy machinery, hot bitumen and road workers on foot.
Speeding through a work site can be dangerous for both road workers and motorists.
As part of Operation Step Back, Victoria Police will increase patrols, targeting speeding and tailgating on the freeway as well as entry and exit ramps.
Keeping the freeway open while the project is being delivered is a priority, and reduced speed limits are crucial to keeping everyone safe.
Work between Bulla Road and Bell Street started in October, with the section from Melbourne Airport to Bulla Road due to start by mid-year.
During construction, the CityLink Tulla Widening Project is expected to create 1,400 jobs, and once complete, will on average save drivers 16 minutes in the morning peak and 17 minutes in the afternoon peak.
Drivers caught speeding through the construction zone can expect to be issued with penalty notices.
The project is due to be completed in 2018.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Getting drivers and road workers home safely is our number one priority.”
“Construction speed limits are enforceable, and when people exceed them, they are putting workers in danger.”
“We’re getting on with delivering the projects that will get Victorians home to their families safer and quicker.”